Masterminds on the Move: Making Connections and Shaping the Future of Women in Automotive

Author: Jennifer Sanford.

Key Takeaways

• Gen Z leaders are bringing digital fluency, AI integration, and a focus on inclusive leadership to shape the future of automotive retail.
• Mentorship and intentional networking remain powerful career drivers, often sparked by small, authentic moments of connection.
• The Women in Automotive Conference highlighted empowerment, collaboration, and personal growth as key tools for driving both individual success and industry-wide progress.

Empower. Encourage. Elevate. That’s the mission of Women in Automotive—and they deliver.

At the 2025 Women in Automotive Conference, automotiveMastermind was proud to serve as a Workshop Sponsor, joining more than 400 attendees, including men, who came together to learn, connect, and grow. The event brought dealership leaders and industry innovators together to highlight collaboration and the future of automotive.

Mission accomplished.

Over the course of three dynamic days, the conference featured a robust lineup of speakers from inside and outside the automotive industry. Topics ranged from accountability and mentoring to leadership, marketing, technology, and the evolving role of AI.

Gen Z in Automotive AI Integration and Future Leadership

As part of our sponsorship, automotiveMastermind hosted the panel “Driving Forward: How Does NextGen See the Future of Automotive?” featuring inspiring students and alumni from Northwood University. These emerging leaders shared their career aspirations and their vision for the future of automotive retail —one that’s deeply rooted in dealership technology, data, AI, and automation.

Panelists emphasized their comfort with digital tools and their desire to use AI to enhance—not replace—human roles. As one student noted, “AI is all around us… I want to bring it into the dealership, not as a means to take over, but as a way to help you, because that’s what it’s designed to do.”

Gen Z’s fluency in remote collaboration, data analysis, and digital communication positions them as natural innovators in a rapidly evolving industry. They also expressed a strong commitment to inclusive leadership, mentorship, and purpose-driven careers.

With Gen Z projected to make up 30% of the workforce by 2030, it’s clear they’re not just ready to lead—they’re already shaping the future. Noted: if all students graduating from college today are like these young women, then our industry is in good hands.

Women in Automotive Mentorship Networking and Leadership

On the final day of the conference, I had the privilege of joining a panel alongside industry veterans Breanna McCready, Nicolle Lamb, and Susan Burke. Together, we celebrated the transformative power of relationships, automotive mentorship, and women supporting women in automotive.

Each panelist shared personal stories of how a single introduction—often informal and unexpected—sparked career-defining opportunities and lifelong connections. It was an honor to share the stage with such accomplished, generous women whose authenticity continues to inspire.

For those who couldn’t attend, here are three key takeaways:

1. Ask for what you need, and be intentional. The right automotive connection can change your career trajectory.
2. Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal. Sometimes it starts with a phone call, a bouquet of flowers, or a shared meal.
3. Be the person who makes the call—or takes the call. You never know whose life you might change.

The conference closed on a high note with a powerful keynote from Robin Wilson, Founder and CEO of Epic BDC. Her story of achievement captivated the entire room. Special thanks to Eliana Raggio, CMO of Dealer EProcess, who kept the energy high and the schedule on track.

Insights from the automotiveMastermind Team

Our team had an incredible experience at the event. Tracy Camacho, Melody Smith, and Deanna Haynes all shared meaningful takeaways related to learning, leadership, and business development.

Deanna reflected on the empowering nature of the conference: “They’re giving us a framework… you’re not alone, there’s other women that can help you through that journey.”

Melody highlighted the collaborative spirit: “We all are pulling the ship in the same direction to improve our industry.”

Tracy shared how the breakout sessions resonated personally: “It really spoke to some of the things I experience in my role—dealing with imposter syndrome, trying to be persuasive in a predominantly male environment.”

Final Thoughts

The ROI is clear—Women in Automotive delivers valuable business insights and professional development, all wrapped in a supportive, energetic atmosphere. Kudos to Veronica Dunford, Kathy Gilbert, Gary May, and the entire Women in Automotive tribe for producing an exceptional event.